Quick alignment orbital sander disc applicator

ABSTRACT

A device for applying a sander disc to an orbital sander includes a member having alignment projections or an alignment wall for releasably holding at least one sander disc having a surface with hook or loop type fasteners such that the surface having the hook or loop type fasteners faces away from said member. The device is cooperatively engagable with the orbital sander to align the sander disc with a corresponding hook or loop type fastener surface of the orbital sander and fasten it thereto.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to an applicator device for applying a sander disc to an orbital sander.

2. Background of the Art

Various types of orbital sanders are known in the art. For example, various types of orbital sanders are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,319,888; 6,979,254; 7,052,383; 7,222,679; and 7,270,591.

Orbital sanders typically include a housing containing a motor for driving a rotating member to which a replaceable sander disc is removably attached. In some sanders a vacuum system is included for removing and collecting sanding debris. In some such sanders the sander discs and the rotating member include holes through which the vacuum can draw the debris. Attachment of the sand disc to the rotating member of the orbital sander can be done by hook and loop type fastener material such as that available under the name VELCRO®. For example, the rotating member can include a surface layer of the hook type fasteners and the sander disc can include a loop type fastener surface, or vice versa.

Typically, the sander discs are manually applied to the rotating member. It can be appreciated that manual application requires some time and effort to align the holes of the sander disc with those of the rotating member while the sander disc is being attached. Attachment of the sander disc with a hook and loop type fastener system occurs on contact. Therefore, if the alignment is not precise the sander disc must be pulled off and reapplied.

Some sander discs do not have holes which need alignment. Nevertheless, the sander disc still needs to have its periphery aligned with the periphery of the rotating member.

What is needed is a device and method for the rapid and easy attachment of a sander disc to an orbital sander.

SUMMARY

A device for applying a sander disc to an orbital sander is provided herein. The device comprises a member having alignment means for releasably holding at least one sander disc having a surface with hook or loop type fasteners such that the surface having the hook or loop type fasteners faces away from said member. The alignment means is cooperatively engagable with the orbital sander to align the sander disc with a corresponding hook or loop type fastener surface of the orbital sander and fasten it thereto.

Also provided herein is a method for using the device, which advantageously applies the sander disc to the orbital sander quickly and with precise alignment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective diagrammatic view of an orbital sander with sander disc;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the applicator device of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the applicator device;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view showing a sander disc mounted to the applicator device;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are a plan view and a partly sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, respectively;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are a plan view and a partly sectional side view of yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, respectifly;

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the applicator fixedly mounted to a support structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

It will also be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges within that range.

Referring now to FIG. 1 a typical orbital sander arrangement 100 includes an orbital sander device 101 having a rotating member 102 with a hook or loop type fastener material (e.g., VELCRO® material) on upper engagement surface 105. The rotating member 102 includes a generally circular periphery 107 and a plurality of suction channels 103 for removing sanding debris from a work surface during a sanding operation. A vacuum is drawn through channel 106 to deposit the debris in a collection container (not shown) such as a bag or chamber. Additional suction channels 104 can optionally be provided, not for the removal of debris, but for maintaining secure contact of the sander disc 110.

Sander disc 110 includes a generally cylindrical body having a circular periphery 111, a plurality of apertures 112, an upper abrasive surface 113, and an opposite attachment surface 114 having hook or loop type fasteners adapted for engagement with the hook or loop type fasteners of the engagement surface 105 of the rotating member 102. The apertures 112 are configured and dimensioned to align with the suction channels 103 of the rotating member 102 when the sander disc 110 is properly mounted to the rotating member 102. Moreover, the sander disc 110 is sized such that the circular periphery 111 is adapted to align with the circular periphery 107 of the rotating member when mounted thereto. Sander disc 110 does not possess apertures to align with suction channels 104. Rather, by covering suction channels 104 the suction helps to maintain the sander disc in a proper position during operation of the orbital sander.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an embodiment of the invention. The applicator device 200 includes a disc shaped body 210, a plurality of projections 230 extending from one surface of the disc shaped body 210 and a handle 220 extending from an opposite surface of the disc shaped body 210 and fixedly attached hereto. Body 210 can be fabricated from any material suitable for the purposes discussed herein such as metal, wood or plastic. Body 210 can typically have a thickness D-1 of from about ¼ inch to about ¾ inch, although thickness outside of this range can be used when appropriate.

In a preferred embodiment the projections 230 include a generally cylindrical portion 232 and a tapered end portion 234. The length D-2 of the projections is chosen to accommodate the thickness and number of sander discs which are mounted to the application device 200 as described below. Typically the dimension D-2 can range from ½ inch to about ⅝ inch, although dimensions outside of this range can be used when appropriate. The projections are configured dimensioned and positioned so as to engage both the suction channels 103 of the orbital sander rotating member 102 and the apertures 112 of the sander disc 110. In an embodiment of the invention the projections 230 are arranged in a circular pattern having a diameter D-3 as shown in FIG. 3, wherein D-3 can typically range from about 2½ inches to about 3⅛ inches, or other diameters as needed.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the use of the applicator device 200 is illustrated. At least one sander disc is mounted to the applicator device 200 such that the projections 230 are disposed through corresponding apertures 112 of the sander disc. The sander disc is mounted such that the abrasive surface 113 abuts the body 210 and the hook or loop fastener surface 114 faces in the opposite direction. Although one sander disc 110 is illustrated, it should be appreciated that a plurality of sander discs 110 can be mounted to the applicator device 200 in a stacked arrangement.

In use, the applicator device 200 is then moved into engagement with the rotating member 102 of the orbital sander such that the projections 230 at least partially enter the corresponding suction channels 103, and pressed with sufficient force to contact the hook or loop fastener surface 114 of the sander disc with the hook or loop fastener surface 105 of the rotating member 102. The hook and loop fasteners thereby engage and the sander disc 110 then becomes securely, but removably, mounted to the rotating member 102 of the orbital sander. The tapered portions 234 of the projections facilitate orientation and engagement of the projections 230 with the apertures 112 and suction channels 103. Once the sander disc 110 is securely attached, the applicator device is then withdrawn. If only a single sander disc 110 was mounted to the applicator device 200 another one can then be mounted. If a plurality of sander discs have been mounted to the applicator device, the applicator device can then be used to sequentially attach the sander discs one by one to other orbital sanders. The handle 220 serves as holding means for supporting the applicator device. In use, the handle 220 is manually grasped by the user of the applicator, and the applicator is manually moved to engage the orbital sander.

The applicator device saves time and effort. Proper and precise alignment is insured by the projections which act as an alignment means.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an alternative embodiment 300 of the applicator device is illustrated. Applicator 300 includes a circular body 340 having a wall 310 extending circumferentially around the periphery of the body 340. The inner surface 320 of the body defines an interior space 330 and is configured and dimensional to receive sander discs in the interior space 330. The wall 310 is dimensional so as to engage the rotating member 102 of the orbital sander and serves as the alignment means. The applicator 300 does not use projections 230 of the previously described embodiment 200. Rather, the applicator device 300 can be used for sander discs 120 which have no apertures 112 as well as those with apertures. Wall 310 preferably has a thickness D-4 of from about 1/16 inch to about ¼ inch and a wall height D-5 of from about ⅞ inch to about 1 inch, although dimensions outside of this range can also be used whenever appropriate.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a plurality of sander discs 110 can be stacked inside the interior space of the applicator 300 such that the abrasive side of each disc is facing down and the hook or loop type fastener side is facing up. Preferably, the applicator device 300 is temporarily or permanently fixed to a stationary, or immobile, substrate 500, which serves as a holding means. More particularly, the stationary substrate 500 comprises a surface which is elevated above ground level and can be, for example, the top of a table, work bench, stand, or other similar type of furniture. In use, the orbital sander is manually moved such that the rotating member 102 is inserted into the interior space 330 and contacts the uppermost sander disc 110 such that the hook or loop engagement surface 105 of the rotating member attaches to the hook or loop type attachment surface 114 of the sander disc. The uppermost sander disc 110 is then withdrawn with the orbital sander leaving the next disc available for use. In this manner, a plurality of sander discs can be sequentially mounted to orbital sanders.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, another embodiment 400 of the applicator device is shown, which is similar to the device 300 except that the applicator 400 has a quadrangular shape (square, rectangular) rather than circular. More particularly, applicator 400 includes a quadrangular body 440 having a wall 410 extending around the periphery of the body 440. The inner surface 420 of the body defines an interior space 430 and is configured and dimensioned to receive sander discs in the interior space 430. The wall is dimensioned to engage the moving member 102 of a sander, which can be an orbital sander or linearly reciprocating sander, and serves as an alignment means. As with embodiment 300, applicator 400 does not use projections as alignment means, and can be used for sander discs which have no apertures. The method of use of applicator 400 is similar to that of device 300 and is likewise temporarily or permanently fixed to a stationary substrate.

It can be appreciated that shapes other than circular or quadrangular can be used for the applicator device. For example, body 340 or 440 can be oval, triangular, or other polygonal shape. Various types of commercially available sander discs and sanders can be used in conjunction with the invention described herein. The invention saves time and effort. The sander discs align themselves when mounted to the applicator device, and are mounted to the orbital sander with precise alignment in one easy manual movement.

While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other embodiments within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto. 

1. A device for applying a sander disc to an orbital sander, wherein said sander disc includes an abrasive surface and an opposite attachment surface having hook or loop type fasteners and the orbital sander has an engagement surface having corresponding hook or loop type fasteners for engaging and holding the hook or loop type fasteners of the sander disc, the device comprising: a) a body having alignment means for releasably holding at least one sander disc such that the attachment surface having the hook or loop type fasteners faces away from said body, wherein said alignment means is cooperatively engagable with the orbital sander to align the sander disc with the orbital sander hook or loop engagement surface; and b) holding means fixedly attached to the body for supporting the body.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the body has a disc contact surface for contacting the sander disc.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein the holding means is a handle.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the body is fabricated from metal, wood or plastic.
 5. The device of claim 3 wherein the alignment means comprises at least one projection extending from said disc contact surface of the body.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein the at least one projection is cylindrical.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein the at least one projection has a tapered end portion.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein the at least one projection is sized and dimensioned to engage at least one aperture in the sander disc and at least one aperture in the orbital sander engagement surface having hook or loop type fasteners.
 9. The device of claim 8 having a plurality of projections disposed in a patterned arrangement.
 10. The device of claim 2 wherein the alignment means comprises a wall extending circumferentially around the periphery of the body and defining an interior space sized and dimensioned to contain a plurality of sander discs, and the holding means comprises a stationary substrate to which the body is fixed.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein the wall is cylindrical.
 12. The device of claim 10 wherein the wall is quadrangular.
 13. The device of claim 10 wherein the substrate to which the body is fixedly attached is a surface elevated above ground level.
 14. The device of claim 13 wherein the surface comprises the top of a table, workbench, or stand.
 15. A method for aligning and applying a sander disc to an orbital sander, wherein the sander disc includes an abrasive surface and an opposite attachment surface having hook or loop type fasteners and the orbital sander has an engagement surface with corresponding hook or loop type fasteners to which the sander disc is to be mounted, said method including: a) providing a body having alignment means for releasably holding at least one sander disc such that the attachment surface having the hook or loop type fasteners faces away from said body, wherein said alignment means is cooperatively engagable with the orbital sander to align the sander disc with the orbital sander engagement surface, wherein the body comprises a disc contact surface; b) mounting at least one sander disc to the body such that the abrasive surface of the sander disc faces towards the disc contact surface; and c) aligning and engaging the alignment means with the orbital sander to contact the attachment surface of the sander disc with the engagement surface of the orbital sander with force sufficient to fasten said attachment surface to the engagement surface.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the sander disc includes at least one aperture and the orbital sander engagement surface includes at least one vacuum channel, and wherein the alignment means comprises at least one projection extending from said disc contact surface of the body, said at least one projection being sized and dimensioned to be accommodated by both said aperture of the sander disc and the vacuum channel of the orbital sander, wherein said step of mounting the at least one sander disc to the member comprises disposing the at least one projection through the aperture of the sander disc, and said aligning and engaging step comprises disposing the at least one projection through the vacuum channel so as to align the aperture of the sander disc with the vacuum channel.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of mounting the at least one sander disc comprises mounting a plurality of sander discs.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein the alignment means comprises a wall extending circumferentially around the periphery of the body and defining an interior space sized and dimensioned to contain a plurality of sander discs, and said interior space being sized and dimensioned to receive the engagement surface of the orbital sander; and said step of mounting the at least one sander disc to the body comprises positioning the at least one sander disc within the interior space such that the abrasive surface faces toward the body and the attachment surface faces away from the body, and said aligning and engaging step comprises positioning the engagement surface of the orbital sander within the interior space of the device and in contact with the attachment surface of the sander disc.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of mounting the at least one sander disc comprises mounting a plurality of sander discs. 